Influenza Virus Serology at the Human-Animal Interface

Zoonoses, i.e. diseases that are transmissible from animals to humans, have received increasing scientific and public attention in recent years. A comprehensive literature review identified 60% of human pathogens as zoonotic, of which 12% constitute so-called ‘emerging infectious diseases’. This term denotes previously unknown diseases that cause outbreaks or known diseases that cause significantly more infections in humans today than in the past two decades.

This thesis investigates animal influenza viruses as a topical example of zoonotic, emerging infectious diseases. I argue that surveillance at the human-animal interface can be improved by implementing novel serological screening tools. Furthermore, I will recommend that a One Health-based surveillance system, spanning both human and animal health, needs to be put in place.